Free Library Service Areas

Who qualifies for free Library service?

Anyone who lives, works or owns property within the Library's free service areas (or the spouse or underage dependent of someone who does). You also can get a free card if you go to school in the service areas.

Free service areas include:

The cities of Seattle and Bothell

Most of King County, except: city of Yarrow Point and Hunts Point

End of list

You also qualify if you have a Library card issued by:

Everett Public Library

Kitsap Regional Library

Pierce County Library System

Puyallup Public Library

Sno-Isle Regional Library System

Timberland Regional Library

Cardholders from the library systems above should bring their library card, valid identification and proof of their home address to any location of The Seattle Public Library for a free card. These library systems also extend the same benefit to cardholders from The Seattle Public Library.

Cardholders from The Seattle Public Library also can get a free card issued by Everett Public Library, Kitsap Regional Library System, Puyallup Public Library, Pierce County Library System, Sno-Isle Regional Library and Timberland Regional Library, which they can use to reserve and borrow items from these libraries. To qualify, take your card issued by The Seattle Public Library, valid identification and proof of home address to any location of these library systems.

Can I use Library services if I don't qualify for a free card?

Yes, but to borrow items, you will need a:

Visitor card - for people temporarily living in our service area for up to three months. Visitor cards cost $25 and are good for three months. People using a visitor card can borrow up to five items at a time.

Non-resident card - for people living in Washington state who do not qualify for service in other ways. Non-resident cards cost $85 and are good for one year.